Looking for bike hire on the Barrow Way Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Barrow Way Map Barrow Way Travel Barrow Way Links Barrow Way Cafes Barrow Way Hire Barrow Way Gallery Barrow Way History Barrow Way Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Bike Hire and Repair - Barrow Way Barrow Blueway Bike Hire Hire a bike from the centre of Monasterevin Barrow Way Bike Hire Bike Hire from Vicarstown Infinity Cycles Bike Repair in Athy

Find all the essential links for your Great Western Greenway trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at GreenwayHub. Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Great Western Links Great Western Mayo.ie Interreg Europe Discover the West Ireland.com Achill Tourism Destination Westport

Plan your trip on the Midleton - Youghal Greenway. Get total distances, stopping points, and route highlights. View the surface profile and key features with GreenwayHub. Info Midleton - Youghal Map Midleton - Youghal Travel Midleton - Youghal Links Midleton - Youghal Cafes Midleton - Youghal Hire Midleton - Youghal Gallery Midleton - Youghal History Midleton - Youghal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Midleton - Youghal Greenway The Midleton to Youghal (pronounced Yawl) Greenway extends a distance of 23 Kms and is situated east of Cork City in Co. Cork. The route can be broken into 3 stages. Midleton to Mogeely - 8 km Mogeely to Killeagh - 5 km Killeagh to Youghal - 10 km Opened in 2024, the greenway runs along a former railway line between Midleton and Youghal. It is quite wide, has an excellent smooth tarmac surface and is very flat, see profile below. The greenway can be accessed via public transport from Midleton and Youghal. There is a commuter rail connection to Cork City (Kent Station) and onwards to the intercity rail network. There are Expressway bus connections in Midleton and Youghal. See the transport section of this site for Rail here and Buses here . There is parking at Midleton, Mogeely, Kileagh and Youghal. See Youtube video here shot during the development of the greenway in 2024 See the wonderful YouTube video from John Finn who walked the greenway just after it opened. The former railway stations along the route have been upgraded which adds to the attractiveness of the route. Trees and hedgerows have been retained along the greenway and have been augmented by new native species. Both Youghal and Midleton are interesting towns with a rich history to be explored. Youghal sits at the mouth of the river Blackwater and is a medieval town with several impressive historical buildings including the eighteenth-century clock tower which houses three floors of exhibits. . Youghal’s most famous resident was Sir Walter Raleigh who lived there for 17 years in the late 16th century. He is credited with having a significant impact on Irish history as he introduced the potato to Ireland. Midleton’s most famous attraction is the Jameson whiskey distillery . A guided tour of the distillery gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Jameson’s seven iconic brands and a chance to sample a few of the famous blends.

Looking for bike hire on the Midleton - Youghal Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Midleton - Youghal Map Midleton - Youghal Travel Midleton - Youghal Links Midleton - Youghal Cafes Midleton - Youghal Hire Midleton - Youghal Gallery Midleton - Youghal History Midleton - Youghal Bike Hire and Repair Midleton - Youghal Cork Bike Hire Bike Hire in Midleton, Youghal and Cork City Bikes and Bites Bike Hire in Midleton town centre An Rothar Midleton Bike Repairs Youghal Bike Rental Bike Hire in Youghal Sport and Leisure Youghal Bike Repair in Youghal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes

Plan your trip on the Great Western Greenway. Get total distances, stopping points, and route highlights. View the surface profile and key features with GreenwayHub. Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Western Greenway - Westport to Achill The Great Western Greenway is 42 Kms in distance starting in the beautiful town of Westport, through the villages of Newport and Mulranny and on to Achill Sound. Achill Sound is the village perched just across the bridge to the island. The surface is mostly tarmac with some compressed fine gravel in other parts. The prevailing wind blows from West to East, it is therefore generally easier to cycle in that direction. There is a short but difficult uphill climb to access the greenway in Westport. There is a pathway just off the main road and this is described and shown on a map in the Travel section here . Cyclists will cycle through the village of Newport and is shared with vehicular traffic so great care should be taken especially if children are in the group. There is a narrow section through the town, see also the map in the Travel section here. The greenway skirts Mulranny village as the path runs at the back of the village. There is a short very steep drop 20/30 metres into the village. To get back on the greenway cycle 400m through the village and turn right at the sign for the Greenway. The route can be considered in three sections; Westport to Newport 11 Kms; Newport to Mulranny 18Kms; Mulranny to Achill Sound 13Kms. The leg from Mulranny to Achill Sound is very beautiful but also quite exposed and may be more difficult if there is a headwind. There is a wealth of information on the greenway provided in the links section to other websites, see Links here. In addition, cyclists can cycle around Achill Island where there are three designated and signposted loops, see Achill Cycle Loops at the this website. These routes are not off road but traffic levels are very light. The routes can be quite hilly and it is likely to somewhat windswept. Achill island is very desolate especially in the winter but cycling around the island in the summertime can be invigorating with spectacular scenery. See also this website for more details on the route from Achill Sound to Cashel on Achill island. There are various options for cyclists depending on whether you use your own bikes and where you start your journey. For those with their own bikes, seasoned cyclists will be able to complete the round trip, starting early in the day. Others may cycle to Newport or Mulranny and return back, returning to their cars to head home or stay overnight in Westport or one of the villages on the route. Those hiring bikes should check if the hire company allows the bikes to be returned to a different depot. At least one company based in Westport allows bikes to be returned at Achill or one of the villages on the route. Cyclists can then get a bus back to their starting location. See Bus Eireann website , the single journey will typically cost €10. The route number is Bus Eireann 450 . At least one hire company provides a bus service to Achill Sound to start your cycle from Achill. Given the prevailing wind this may be a very attractive proposition! Those who hire bikes may wish to carry some belongings for an overnight stay. Ask for panniers/ saddle bags when hiring the bikes but check with the Bike Hire companies in advance, see Bike Hire options here. There are plenty of accommodation options on the route but book in advance in summertime. Watch the brilliant Chonky Trundlers videos on You Tube as they hike the Great Western Greenway. This will give you a real sense of what to expect. The route is very flat with the highest point approaching Mulranny from the Westport side. See profile of the route here.

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Mullingar - Athlone, Old Rail Trail Greenway. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle with GreenwayHub. Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Mullingar - Athlone Cafes Tu Ard Moate Enjoy a meal or coffee at this lovely restaurant en route in the town of Moate. Enjoy a break in Athlone Athlone A great choice of food and drink in Athlone Jack's Stop Streamstown Beautiful cafe created from the renovated railway building on exactly half way between Mullingar and Athlone Dun na Si Moate Drop in to the Amenity and Heritage Park which is just outside Moate on the Athlone side and 0.5Km off the greenway Enjoy a break in Mullingar Mullingar A great choice of food and drink in Mullingar Moate Golf Club Moate Stop for lunch or a break at the Moate Golf Club which is right on the greenway.

Plan your route with our Great Western Greenway maps. Includes an official tourist map, an interactive Google Map of POIs, and a detailed traced route map Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Maps Western Westport - Achill

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Kerry cycle routes. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle with GreenwayHub. Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Killarney Cafes Lord Brandon's Cottage The Black Valley Before your boat trip home, enjoy a break at this open air cafe. Only open in summertime. The Coffee Pot Gap of Dunloe Enjoy the home made foods at this lovely restaurant and coffee shop. Have a drink or browse the souvenir shop opposite in Kate Kearney's Cottage. Dinis Tea Rooms Dinis Island Stop for tea or coffee on your trip round the lake. Only open in summer time Muckross Garden Restaurant Muckross Park Enjoy this buffet cafe/ restaurant with views to the gardens and an associated craft shop.

Plan your route with our Midleton - Youghal Greenway maps. Includes an official tourist map, an interactive Google Map of POIs, and a detailed traced route map Info Midleton - Youghal Map Midleton - Youghal Travel Midleton - Youghal Links Midleton - Youghal Cafes Midleton - Youghal Hire Midleton - Youghal Gallery Midleton - Youghal History Midleton - Youghal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Maps Midleton - Youghal Greenway Map courtesy of Cork Bike Hire, see the Hire and Repair Section of this website.

Find all the essential links for your Killarney Cycle trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at GreenwayHub. Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Killarney Links ACTIVE ME Gap of Dunloe Family Voyage ACTIVE ME Muckross Kerry Gems ROUTE YOU

Explore the fascinating history of the Killarney area. From its tourist attractions to the local heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History of Killarney Killarney National Park Killarney National Park , located in County Kerry, is one of Ireland’s most important natural and historical treasures. It is famous for its lakes, mountains, woodlands, and rich wildlife, but its history is just as remarkable as its scenery. The park’s past reflects Ireland’s religious heritage, landed estates, and the beginnings of conservation in the country. The history of the area dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlement found throughout the park. One of the most significant early landmarks is Muckross Abbey, founded in the 6th century by Saint Fínán Cam. For centuries, the abbey served as a religious centre and place of learning. Despite raids and destruction during turbulent times, it remained active until the 17th century and still stands today as a symbol of Ireland’s monastic past. During the 18th and 19th centuries, large estates were developed in the Killarney area. Wealthy landowners built grand houses such as Muckross House and Ross Castle became a notable historical site. These estates shaped the landscape, with gardens, paths, and woodlands carefully designed to enhance the natural beauty. Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney in 1861 greatly increased the area’s popularity and helped establish it as a major tourist destination. The most important moment in the park’s history came in 1932. Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish state by Maud Bourn Vincent in memory of her husband. This generous gift led to the creation of Killarney National Park, making it Ireland’s first national park. Over time, more land was added, including the mountains, lakes, and woodlands that make the park so distinctive today. Killarney National Park is also significant for conservation. It protects Ireland’s only native herd of red deer and contains rare oak and yew woodlands. The park plays a vital role in preserving wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. Moll’s Gap and the Black Valley Located near Killarney, these areas are famous for their dramatic scenery, rugged mountains, and deep connections to Ireland’s past. Together, they represent both the natural beauty and the resilience of the people who lived in this remote region. Moll’s Gap is a high mountain pass on the Ring of Kerry, offering breathtaking views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the surrounding valleys. It takes its name from Moll Kissane, who ran a shebeen, or illegal pub, in the 19th century. According to local tradition, Moll provided food and drink to travellers and soldiers during the construction of the Kenmare–Killarney road. The pass itself was built in the early 1800s by British forces to improve access and control in the region, and it later became an important route for trade and travel. Beyond Moll’s Gap lies the Black Valley, a remote and dramatic area surrounded by mountains and lakes. Despite its name, the Black Valley is not dark in colour but was named due to its lack of sunlight during the winter months, as the high mountains block much of the light. For centuries, families lived here in isolation, relying on farming and livestock to survive in the harsh landscape. The valley became particularly significant during the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War, when homes were burned because residents refused to cooperate with British forces. The Black Valley is also closely connected to the Great Famine of the 1840s, during which the population suffered greatly due to poor land and difficult living conditions. Many families were forced to emigrate or abandon their homes, leaving behind ruins that still mark the landscape today. These remains serve as a powerful reminder of hardship and endurance. Today, walkers and cyclists are drawn to the area for its beauty and tranquility and for those in search of a strenuous workout. Killarney History Killarney is one of the country’s most famous towns. Known today for its natural beauty and tourism, Killarney has a long and rich history shaped by religion, conflict, landlord estates, and cultural development. Its past has played a major role in making it the important town it is today. The earliest history of Killarney dates back to early Christian Ireland. In the 6th century, Muckross Abbey became a centre of learning and worship. The monasteries attracted settlers to the area and helped establish Killarney as an important religious settlement. During the medieval period, Killarney was influenced by Norman and Gaelic families. Ross Castle, built in the 15th century by the O’Donoghue Mór clan, became a stronghold on the shores of Lough Leane. The castle played a role in several conflicts, including the Cromwellian wars, and remains a key historical landmark today. Local legends, such as that of O’Donoghue Mór riding across the lake, are still part of Killarney’s folklore. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Killarney developed under the control of powerful landlord families, particularly the Herberts of Muckross and the Earls of Kenmare. Large estates were created, shaping the landscape with roads, gardens, and grand houses. Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney in 1861 brought international attention to the town and helped establish it as a major tourist destination. Tourism quickly became central to Killarney’s economy. Today, Killarney is a vibrant town that blends history, culture, and tourism. Its monasteries, castles, estates, and national park reflect centuries of change and development. Other than tourism Killarney and Kerry have a very vibrant sporting culture. Kerry have won more All Ireland Football titles than any other county. the All Ireland (Gaelic) Football Final held every summer in Croke Park is Ireland's biggest sporting event. Kerry, The Kingdom, are almost always favourites to win the title.

Explore the fascinating history of the Grand Cnal Greenway. From its origins as a canal used for transport to the local heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History Grand Canal Work began on the Grand Canal in 1756. The first sods were turned near at Hazelhatch, now part of the Sallins Greenway. However engineering difficulties and mistakes by the builders in the early stages meant that progress was slow. The tempo picked up during the last twenty years of the 18th century and although thwarted many times by the difficulties of engineering a canal across the Bog of Allen the canal company managed to make the link with the Shannon in 1803. The important branch to the river Barrow had been completed a decade earlier. Passenger boats used the waterway until the 1850s and cargo boats until 1960. The big, broad-beamed barges laden with porter, coal or grain were a familiar sight to generations of canal-side dwellers. After their closure to commercial traffic in 1960 the future for the waterways seemed bleak (although the Grand, unlike the Royal, remained navigable). However the vision of the inland waterways activists encouraged a more enlightened attitude by Government. Some branches were restored (for example, Naas in 1987) and the canal environment improved - a process which continues as the role of the canals for water and land based recreation and tourism is increasingly valued as a national asset as well as a source of amenity for canal side communities. The main line of the Grand Canal is 132 km in length from Dublin to the Shannon passing through counties Kildare and Offaly. Lowtown, located in County Kildare, played a significant role in the history of Ireland’s inland waterways as a key hub on the Grand Canal. Lowtown emerged as a vital junction where the main line of the Grand Canal met the Barrow Line, which connected to the River Barrow and onward to the southeast of Ireland. This strategic location made Lowtown a busy transshipment point and an operational centre for canal maintenance, barge traffic and payment of fees. The area became home to a depot, lock-keeper’s cottages, and other facilities essential for managing canal operations. Barges carrying cargoes such as Guinness, turf, grain, and building materials would stop at Lowtown, making it an economic and logistical lynchpin in the canal network. The Edenderry to Shannon Harbour Canal was a branch of the Grand Canal in Ireland, constructed to connect the town of Edenderry in County Offaly to the main line of the canal at Shannon Harbour. Built in the late 18th century, around the 1790s, it was part of a broader effort to expand inland navigation and promote trade and transport across the country. This branch line, often referred to as the Edenderry Branch, was approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) long. It played a key role in the local economy, enabling the transport of goods such as turf, grain, and coal to and from Edenderry. Tullamore, from the Irish Tulach Mhór meaning "great hill," lies in the heart of Ireland. The area has been settled since ancient times, with evidence of Bronze Age habitation and early Christian monastic influence. It was historically part of the ancient kingdom of Ui Failghe, from which County Offaly gets its name. During the medieval period, Tullamore was relatively small but held strategic importance due to its location near the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the River Brosna. The area was controlled by powerful Gaelic families, particularly the O’Molloys. After the Tudor conquest of Ireland, land around Tullamore was seized and granted to English settlers, notably the Moore family, who became the Earls of Charleville. The 19th century saw significant development, largely due to the influence of the Charleville estate. The Grand Canal, completed in the late 1700s, played a key role in Tullamore’s economic growth, facilitating trade and transport. The Charleville Castle, a Gothic revival structure, was built just outside the town and remains a notable historic site. Tullamore also developed as an industrial and commercial centre. In 1829, Daniel E. Williams joined a local distillery and eventually created the now-famous Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, which would become one of Ireland's most recognized whiskey brands. In the 20th century, Tullamore evolved into a modern town. While the original distillery closed in 1954, the brand endured and saw a major revival in the 21st century. In 2014, a new Tullamore D.E.W. distillery opened on the outskirts of the town, reconnecting Tullamore with its whiskey heritage. The town has become a regional hub for education, retail, and health services, and is now home to over 15,000 people.